Herbs For Liver Congestion

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It is responsible for delivering bile to the digestive system to aid in the breakdown of foods and the assimilation of vitamins and nutrients. It also serves as a gateway for the bloodstream, filtering out toxins and waste so they can be flushed out through the kidneys. However, when the liver is overloaded with waste and toxins, it can become congested, which prevents it from functioning properly. Balch and other alternative medicine practitioners believe that certain herbs may help relieve liver congestion. Herbal therapy does not replace tradition medical treatment. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to treat liver congestion.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a popular herb in alternative medicine practice for treating diseases of the liver. This herb contains a chemical compound, called silymarin, that may help improve the function of the liver. Milk thistle may also help protect the cells of the liver against damage from toxins such as alcohol, nicotine and food preservatives and pesticides. Although milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, consult your physician if you plan to use milk thistle to treat liver congestion.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that is native to India and Indonesia and is commonly used in Indian cuisine to give foods a yellow color and an earthy flavor. Ancient Ayurvedic physicians recommended the herb to treat conditions such as arthritis, digestive distress and jaundice, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which may help clear toxins from the liver and the bloodstream. It may also help protect the liver against alcohol damage. Consult your physician before treating liver congestion with turmeric. Turmeric may have anti-clotting properties and should not be used by people who take blood-thinning medications.

Dandelion

Although dandelion is widely regarded in the West as just a weed, this herb has a long history of medicinal uses. Traditional Chinese physicians recommended dandelion for ulcers, colds, bronchitis, hepatitis and other ailments, according to Castleman. Dandelion may also help cleanse the liver and support healthy liver function. Check with your doctor before using dandelion to treat liver congestion. This herb is a diuretic and should not be used by people taking water pills.